Check the f luid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two
reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are:
The brake f luid should be replaced
accordingtothetimeanddistance
recommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule.Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the car sitting on
level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual Transmis-
sion Fluid (MTF) until it starts to
run out of the hole. Reinstall the
f iller bolt and tighten it securely. If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives and continued use can
cause stiffer shifting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
5-speed Manual Transmission
T ransmission Fluid
Maint enance216
FILLER BOLT
Correct Level
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´ µSpark Plug Gap:
Push the wire connector onto the
ignition coil. Make sure it locks in
place.
Repeat this procedure f or the
other three spark plugs.
Reinstall the cover.
Install the ignition coil. Reinstall
the nut.
NGK:
DENSO:
8.
11.
10. 9.
Maint enance
Spark Plugs
Specif ications:
223
PZFR6F-11
PKJ20CR-M11
0.04 in (1.1 mm)
0
0.1 mm
Tighten the spark plugs caref ully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.
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Periodically check the engine’s
radiator and air conditioning
condenser f or leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the f ront surf ace. These
block the air f low and reduce cooling
ef f iciency. Use a light spray f rom a
hose or a sof t brush to remove them.If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Ref rigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specif ications on page
.)
Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it f or at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the ref rigerant.
Your car’s air conditioning is a sealed
system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualif ied mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works ef f iciently.
289Standard f or LX and EX models in the
U.S.,andLXandSimodelsinCanadaOptional f or other models
A ir Condit ioning Syst em
Maint enance228
AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
f acility uses a ref rigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
ref rigerant f or reuse. Releasing
ref rigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
The condenser and radiator f ins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or sof t-bristle brush to clean them.
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Block the rear wheels.
Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter
(see page ).
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse
(5-speed manual) or Park
(automatic).
If you need to park your car f or an
extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your car back on the road. If
possible, store your car indoors.
If the car is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the car is being stored indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the f ront wiper blade
arms with a f olded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals.Coverthecarwitha‘‘breathable’’
cover, one made f rom a porous
material such as cotton.
Nonporous materials, such as
plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, run the engine f or a
while periodically (pref erably once
amonth).
If you store your car f or 12 months
or longer, have your Honda dealer
perf orm the inspections called f or in
the 24 months maintenance schedule
(Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page ).
The replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage. 194
205
St oring Your Car
Maint enance248
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This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
af ter the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low f or a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.Letthecarsitforaminute.Open
the hood and check the oil level
(see page ). Although oil level
and oil pressure are not directly
connected, an engine that is very
low on oil can lose pressure during
cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn of f the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired bef ore you can
continue driving. (See
on page .)
Saf ely pull of f the road and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
1. 2. 3. 4.
160
203
283
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
Emergency
Towing
272
DX models
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
U.S.: HX, LX, EX Canada : LX, Si
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the car stopped.
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ÎÎÎ Î ÎÎÎÎ
Î Î
Î Î
Î Î ÎÎ
Î
ÎÎ
Specif ications
T echnical Inf ormation288
Dimensions
Weights
Engine Capacities
174.7 in (4,438 mm)
66.7 in (1,695 mm)
55.1 in (1,399 mm)
103.1 in (2,620 mm)
57.9 in (1,470 mm)
57.9 in (1,470 mm)
2.95 x 3.72 in (75.0 x 94.4 mm) 13.2 US gal (50
)
102 cu-in (1,668 cm
)
9.5 9.9
Length
Width
Height
Wheelbase
Track
Gross vehicle weight rating See the certification label attached
to the driver’s doorjamb.
Type
BorexStroke
Displacement
Compression ratio
Spark plugs Water cooled 4-stroke
SOHC , SOHC VTEC
4-cylinder gasoline engine
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity: 0.108 US gal (0.41
)
4.8 US qt (4.5
)
2.6 US qt (2.5)
6.0 US qt (5.7)
6.3 US qt (6.0)
3.4 US qt (3.2)
2.9 US qt (2.7)
1.7 US qt (1.6)
1.6 US qt (1.5)
4.4 US qt (4.2)
3.5 US qt (3.3)
3.2 US qt (3.0)
3.7 US qt (3.5)
3.4 US qt (3.2)
Fuel tank
Engine
coolant
Engine oil Automatic
transmission
fluid 1.03 US gal (3.9
)
1.00 US gal (3.8)
1.00 US gal (3.8)
1.32 US gal (5.0
)
1.29 US gal (4.9)
1.29 US gal (4.9)
See spark plug maintenance
section page 221 .
FrontRear
Approx.
U.S.: HX, EX
Canada: Si HX
DX, LX
EX, HX
3: 4: 5:6:
7:
DX, LX
1:2: Change
ManualAutomaticCVT
Total ManualAutomaticCVT
Change Including
filter
Without filter
Total
ChangeTotal
Change Total
U.S. Cars
Canada Cars
12
12 5656
7 7
3 4
Manual trans-
mission fluid
Windshield
washer reservoir
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CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 163
................................
Accessories . 163
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 164
............................
Modif ications . 164
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) . 83
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 104
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 203
.............................
Airbag (SRS) . 10, 49
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 219
..............
Air Conditioning System . 110
..............................
Maintenance . 228
.........................................
Usage . 110
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) . 112
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 232
.........................
Normal Driving . 233
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline . 292
......................................
Antif reeze . 207
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
....................
Indicator Light . 65, 186
...................................
Operation . 184
Anti-thef t Steering Column ..............................................
Lock . 82
..........................
Appearance Care . 249 ........................
Audio System . 118, 130
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 151
..............
Automatic Transmission . 174
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 288
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 214
.......................................
Shif ting . 175
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 174
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 175
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 178
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 64, 273
............................
Jump Starting . 267
..............................
Maintenance . 224
............................
Specif ications . 289
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 155
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,45
.........................
Beverage Holders . 102
.................................
Body Repairs . 256
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 184
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 156
....................
Bulb Replacement . 244 ...........................................
Fluid . 217
.......................................
Parking . 100
.................
System Indicator . 65, 275
........................
Wear Indicators . 183
.............................
Braking System . 183
........................
Break-in, New Car . 156
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 74
........................
Brights, Headlights . 73
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights . 244
..............................
Brake Lights . 244
..............................
Ceiling Light . 247
................
Front Parking Lights . 242
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 242
.................................
Headlights . 241
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 245
.................
License Plate Lights . 245
.........
Rear Side Marker Lights . 244
............................
Specif ications . 289
...................................
Spotlights . 247
...............................
Trunk Light . 246
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 242
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 241
Index
A
B
I
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................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard . 2, 60
................
Daytime Running Lights . 74
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 302
........................
Def og and Def rost . 115
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 78
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 115
....................................
Dimensions . 288
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 73
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 214
..................................
Engine Oil . 160
..........................
Directional Signals . 75
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 183
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 206
Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 84
......................
Power Door Locks . 84
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 290
Downshif ting, 5-speed Manual
.............................
Transmission . 172
.....................................
Drive Belts . 231
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
............................
Capacities Chart . 288
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 55
.................................
Cargo Hooks . 168
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 165
Cassette Player
............................................
Care . 148
...........................
Operation . 124, 145
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..........................
CD Changer . 127, 141
..............................
CD Player . 127, 139
..................................
Ceiling Light . 105
........................
Certif ication Label . 286
............................................
Chains . 238
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 259
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 209
Changing Oil
........................................
How to . 205
......................................
When to . 192
...
Charging System Indicator . 64, 273
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 170
.....................................
Child Saf ety . 21
Child Seats
...........................
Lower Anchors . 42
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 41 ....................
Cleaner Element, Air . 219
Cleaning
......................................
Exterior . 250
.......................................
Interior . 252
...................................
Seat Belts . 253
...........................................
Vinyl . 253
....................................
Windows . 254
.................
Clock, Setting the . 123, 135
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 217
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 294
......................................
Coat Hook . 105
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 171
..............................
Compact Spare . 258
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 300
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 59
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 207
....................................
Checking . 161
.........................
Proper Solution . 207
...................................
Replacing . 209
...................
Temperature Gauge . 71
....................
Corrosion Protection . 255
Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System . 294
............
Cruise Control Operation . 151
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 300
Index
C D
II
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